Synonyms of shudder

shudder 1 of 2

noun

as in shiver

an instance of shaking involuntarily with fear or cold

a shudder ran through him as he stepped outside into the snow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shiver
• tremble
• quiver
• tremor
• jolt
• wobble
• wave
• quake
• agitation
• shake
• fluctuation
• flutter
• vibration
• throb
• pulse
• convulsing
• palpitation
• oscillation
• pulsation
• beat

shudder

2 of 2

verb

ˈshə-dər 

as in to shake

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements

huddled in the basement, we shuddered with fear as we heard the approaching tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shake
• jerk
• tremble
• shiver
• quiver
• vibrate
• convulse
• twitch
• jolt
• wobble
• sway
• quake
• jiggle
• bucket
• agitate
• judder
• jounce
• throb
• joggle
• flicker
• swing
• flutter
• thrill
• wave
• chatter
• rock
• fluctuate
• waver
• quaver
• palpitate
• undulate
• oscillate
• pulse
• pulsate
• dodder
• pit-a-pat
• beat
• pitter-patter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shudder

Noun

Perhaps there could even be a real shudder of self-disgust on these shores—a recognition that our national pursuit of material happiness has immiserated much of the rest of the world and is now devouring itself. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

The thriller about ambition, rivalry and human frailty, set in the ballet world, evoked visceral reactions — from adrenaline highs to pull-pinions-from-your-flesh shudders. — Celia Wren, Washington Post, 4 June 2026

Verb

Speaking to the media before England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16, England manager Thomas Tuchel gave an update on Declan Rice that would make Arsenal fans shudder. — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 13 July 2026

These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge. — Nick Ayres Demasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026